Historical and fine condition set of very early 1930's Rickenbacker Electro-Spanish guitars, and 1930's Rickenbacker amplifier.

Two of the earliest production solidbody electric guitars ever made. Only the odd Rickenbacker "frying pan" was earlier. Rickenbacker started making electric guitars in 1932-33 and by 1934 had revolutionized guitar sound with the sleek "Electro-Spanish" guitars you see here.

Each is built of solid Bakelite (an early resin) and polished chromed steel, and features the now-famous Rickenbacker "horse-shoe" pick-up. Many had square-profile necks, for Hawaiian playing, but some, like these two examples, had longer round necks for regular guitar playing, and bear the first "Electro Spanish" model names.

On the right is the standard 1936 version, known as the Model B. It is all-original (and rare in this beautiful collector condition) from the uncracked resin Bakelite body to the gleaming chromed panels.

Even rarer is the version on left, from 1938, the Rickenbacker "Electro Vibrola Spanish". Designed by "Doc" Kauffman (later of Fender fame), it features a slightly thicker body to house the ingenious motorized tremolo system -- with actual small pulleys and springs inside to create the vibrato bridge movement. An eccentric design, though it does the job well, with a terrific and unusual tremolo effect. The guitar is complete with its original velvet-lined hard case.

Also included is the 1930s Rickenbacker amplifier. With steel cabinet, the amp was affectionately known as "the black metal box." This is the early mid-1930s first version, with square design and rounded corners (later versions were more rectangular). The amp is in beautiful shape, all original, including 10" speaker, handle, and twin 6V6 power tubes.

To find an original pair of 1930's Rickenbacker Electro and Electro-Vibrola Spanish guitars in this condition, with matching amp, is remarkable (less than 90 of the Vibrola version were made, between 1938 and 1942). Each is an iconic treasure of American musical and guitar manufacturing history.

Three-piece set of 1930s Rickenbacker Electro and Electro-Vibrola guitars, plus Rickenbacker 1930s black Electro amplifier.

From The Ilinois Collection.